| CHOCOLATE POISONING |
CHOCOLATE POISONING
Chocolate poisoning is caused by theobromine a naturally
occurring stimulant found in chocolate and cocoa. Pets are
unable to metabolize theobromine quickly; therefore, pets
are more susceptible to the toxic effect as compared to
humans. Theobromine stays in the body for an extended
period of time and can lead to death. Poisoning occurs most
often in dogs; cats seem to be less likely affected, but cases
are reported.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, excitability, hyper activity, salivation,
increased water consumption, muscle tremors, increased
heart rate, seizures, and death. Symptoms usually occur
within four hours of ingestion. In rare cases owners have
noted the first symptoms as late as twenty-four hours after
the pet ate the chocolate. The first step in treatment is to
eliminate the poison by inducing vomiting.* Your pet should
be brought to your veterinarian as soon as you discover
they have eaten chocolate.
There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. If your pet has
overdosed on chocolate, your veterinarian will treat the
symptoms to stabilize his condition with intravenous fluids
and medications. This will allow time for the body to
metabolize and flush the theobromine from his system.
Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of
theobromine, and ALL are harmful and life threatening to
your pet. The safest way to avoid chocolate poisoning is to
not encourage a "sweet tooth" and keep ALL candy and
desserts secured away from pets.
Don't forget "Death by Chocolate" really happens!
*To induce vomiting administer 1 tablespoon hydrogen
peroxide orally for small pets every 10 minutes, or 2
tablespoons for large pets every 10 minutes until vomiting
begins.
Chocolate poisoning is caused by theobromine a naturally
occurring stimulant found in chocolate and cocoa. Pets are
unable to metabolize theobromine quickly; therefore, pets
are more susceptible to the toxic effect as compared to
humans. Theobromine stays in the body for an extended
period of time and can lead to death. Poisoning occurs most
often in dogs; cats seem to be less likely affected, but cases
are reported.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, excitability, hyper activity, salivation,
increased water consumption, muscle tremors, increased
heart rate, seizures, and death. Symptoms usually occur
within four hours of ingestion. In rare cases owners have
noted the first symptoms as late as twenty-four hours after
the pet ate the chocolate. The first step in treatment is to
eliminate the poison by inducing vomiting.* Your pet should
be brought to your veterinarian as soon as you discover
they have eaten chocolate.
There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. If your pet has
overdosed on chocolate, your veterinarian will treat the
symptoms to stabilize his condition with intravenous fluids
and medications. This will allow time for the body to
metabolize and flush the theobromine from his system.
Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of
theobromine, and ALL are harmful and life threatening to
your pet. The safest way to avoid chocolate poisoning is to
not encourage a "sweet tooth" and keep ALL candy and
desserts secured away from pets.
Don't forget "Death by Chocolate" really happens!
*To induce vomiting administer 1 tablespoon hydrogen
peroxide orally for small pets every 10 minutes, or 2
tablespoons for large pets every 10 minutes until vomiting
begins.
| McMillan Veterinary Clinic |